They come and go but never really lose their romance. A braid encircling the head – often known as a milkmaid braid or a crown braid – can ooze folkish innocence and an underlying sensual awareness that not many hairstyles in themselves can muster. We’ve been spotting them recently both on the street and on the runway – and just as they’ve been a key hairstyle in 2013, they’re also making the list of hair trends for spring 2014, too.

A cute style that can be pulled off by many, there’s one minor problem with milkmaid braids: you either need really long hair, or a very well-matched hair piece. If you do have the hair length to pull it off, then look to a few different variations for inspiration. After the break: more about the milkmaid braid trend as it was on the spring 2014 runways, along with tutorials on creating different variations for yourself.

Milkmaid braids for spring 2014

Embodying the easiness of the hot summer days, speaking of nonchalance and building upon romance in a way that still feels relevant in today’s world, the milkmaid braids introduced on the spring 2014 runways are all about colliding the young with the modern. From sleek and classic milkmaid adaptations, to messy crowns playing upon texture, the 2014 styles talk about a cool makeover and this is exactly how they came into sight: effortless and feminine, yet a little bit rock ’n’ roll.

The milkmaid braids for spring 2014 are finally setting to build a bridge between the old-world romantic look and the modern-day rebel aesthetic. Leaving plenty of room for interpretations, the crown braids need only the hair length allowing you to pull them off, and the right amount of inspiration to make it happen.

Sleek and classic milkmaid braids

A modern take on Frida Kahlo’s iconic milkmaid braids is what inspired the sleek hairstyles we witnessed styling Naeem Khan’s glamorous take on Latin culture for spring / summer 2014.

Classic milkmaid braids at Naeem Khan S/S ’14

Looking strong without calling to mind the bohemian attitude that often accompanies the braided hairstyles we see take on the runways, these smooth milkmaid braids are merely meant to update a classic. The slicked back roots and the two braided ponytails, wrapped up and pinned around the top of the head are made to look easy and super-chic.

Milkmaid braids at Naeem Khan S/S ’13

Slightly undone milkmaid braids

The braided crown with a deep side part seen at Rebecca Minkoff spring/summer 2014 was created as to perfectly complement the designer’s signature downtown, sexy tomboy aesthetic.

Undone milkmaid braids at Rebecca Minkoff S/S ’14

But the deep side part that added an element of asymmetry to the super feminine braided look wasn’t the only sign of novelty, as Rebecca Minkoff’s crown for spring 2014 was made out of three ponytails, braided in chic four-strand braids. Separated into one braid on one side and two braids on the other, and built upon a rough and dry texture, this style exemplifies what the young and the modern is all about.

Milkmaid braids at Rebecca Minkoff S/S ’14

Messy, romantic milkmaid braids

A lived-in updo that pais tribute to the modern take on castle life brought together Nicole Miller’s spring / summer 2014 collection inspired by the18th-century opulence.

Messy milkmaid braids at Nicole Miller S/S ’14

Romantic but messy, featuring purposely left flyaways for more of a deconstructed take on the crown braid, the style at Nicole Miller married the French aristocracy with today’s rebellious attitude. Marie Antoinette gone punk would be the perfect way to describe the textured braided updo styled with rich berry lips.

Milkmaid braids at Nicole Miller S/S ’13

Video tutorials for the milkmaid braid.

Having explored the season’s newest interpretations on the style, it’s time to get experimenting with it ourselves. To help you along, here are 5 video tutorials we collected earlier outlining different ways to create crown braids.